How to play the Em11 chord on guitar

The Em11 chord, pronounced "E minor eleventh," is a complex and intriguing guitar chord. It adds depth and sophistication to the standard E minor triad by incorporating the 11th note of the scale. This chord is often used in jazz, funk, and R&B music to create a rich, harmonically advanced sound. Notable songs featuring the Em11 chord include "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder.

The Em11 chord is typically played starting on the 7th fret as a barre chord.

Follow these finger positions to play a Em11 chord on your guitar:

1. Place your index finger on the 7th fret, barring all six strings.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.

Strum all six strings together in a downward motion to play the Em11 chord.

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the Em11 chord, try playing an Em7 chord instead. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string, and strum all six strings. This will give you a similar sound without the added complexity.

While the open Em11 chord is easier to play, the barre chord version allows you to play the Em11 chord in different positions and adds a fuller, more robust sound to your playing.

Here's how to play an Em11 barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 7th fret, forming a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd (B) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 9th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string down to the high E string.

The E minor chord is a versatile and emotive chord that often serves as the tonic in minor key progressions, creating a melancholic, introspective, or even brooding atmosphere. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the Em chord:

• i - iv - i - v (Em - Am - Em - Bm) - Used in "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. and "Drive" by Incubus
• i - III - VII - iv (Em - G - D - Am) - Used in "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin and "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.
• i - VI - III - VII (Em - C - G - D) - Used in "Wonderwall" by Oasis and "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• i - iv - VII - v (Em - Am - D - Bm) - Used in "Creep" by Radiohead and "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver
• i - v - i - iv (Em - Bm - Em - Am) - Used in "Mad World" by Gary Jules and "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica

One effective drill for mastering the Em11 chord is to practice arpeggios. Start by playing each note of the chord individually, starting from the lowest string and working your way up. Focus on creating a clear, consistent tone with each note. Once you're comfortable with this, try playing the notes in different orders and rhythms to develop your dexterity and familiarity with the chord shape.

Another helpful drill is to practice transitioning smoothly between Em11 and other common chords, such as G, C, and D. Work on minimizing any pause or hesitation between chord changes, aiming for fluid, seamless transitions.

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the Em11 chord.

1. Behind Blue Eyes by The Who (Em11, F#m7, A, G)
2. Daughters by John Mayer (Cadd9, G, Em11, Am7)
3. I See Fire by Ed Sheeran (Am, Em, G, C)
4. The Scientist by Coldplay (Am7, Em11, Fmaj7, Cmaj7)
5. Hotel California by Eagles (Bm, F#, A, E, G, D, Em, F#7)
6. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (A, E, F#m, C#m7, Bm7, Em11)
7. Angie by The Rolling Stones (Am, E7, G, F, C, Dm)
8. Blackbird by The Beatles (G, Am7, Em11, Ddim7)
9. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (C, G, Em, D, Am)
10. Skinny Love by Bon Iver (Am, C, Em, Em11)